Led by Senator Jessica Ramos, hundreds of supporters gathered for a rally in Albany on March 1 in support of a bill, which would incrementally increase New York’s minimum wage to $21.25 by 2027. Cover photo by Alexander Thomas, Legislative Gazette.
Policy
Video: Watchdogs Ask Legislators to Reject “Corporate Handouts” in Final Budget
On March 2, more than 30 faith, good government and advocacy organizations from across New York sent a letter to Assembly Speaker Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins asking them to freeze all current corporate handouts and reject any new and expanded subsidies in the final budget. They say Gov. Kathy Hochul’s […]
Small Business Group Says Another Minimum Wage Hike Would Kill Jobs
Following the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, lawmakers in Albany are pushing for the “Raise the Wage Act” (S.1978-A/A.2204-A) that would adjust the minimum wage rate annually based on the rate of inflation, which could push the minimum wage standard upwards of $20 within the next five years. The […]
Gov. Hochul Launches Statewide Listening Tour on Youth Mental Health
Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced she and her staff will embark on a series of listening sessions across the state, culminating in a spring summit aimed at exploring the issues that are impacting the mental health of New York’s young people. The listening tour will provide an opportunity for experts […]
SEIU Floods Albany, Calling for $2.5B in Health Care Spending in Final Budget
On Tuesday, March 21, members of the SEIU 1199 health care workers union, as well as supporters and legislators, marched around the Capitol and down to the MVP arena in downtown Albany. Those in attendance were there not only to celebrate recent union victories, but also to call on the […]
Hochul Calls for Bail Changes and Gun Violence Programs in Final Budget, Citing New Crime Data
On March 22, Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled new crime statistics at a press conference in Albany to highlight her public safety proposals for the FY 2024 budget. The centerpiece of Hochul’s plan to make New York safer is a proposed $337 million in programs designed to prevent and reduce gun […]
Lawmakers Want to Decriminalize Adult Consensual Sex Work
A sea of red accessories, lipstick, umbrellas and clothing embellished the crowd of around 60 people chanting at the Million Dollar Staircase in the Capitol on March 1. Sporting a red umbrella symbolizes the solidarity of the sex workers’ rights movement, the practice was established in Venice, Italy in 2001 […]
Chancellor King Makes Surprise Appearance at SUNY Student Assembly Lobby Day
Newly-appointed Chancellor of the State University of New York John King supported the SUNY Student Assembly on Feb.14 during the group’s annual Advocacy Day in Albany, giving an impromptu speech and pledging support for more resources. “SUNY is the most affordable high quality public higher education option in this country,” […]